(03 Jun 2016, 9:41 pm)G-CPTN wrote Be careful who you choose as Mayor:-

I don't know why the Quote has disappeared, but in the Summaries I've read and presentation I've seen, I don't think its strictly true.

The Elected Mayor will have the ultimate decision as to whether to go ahead with Franchising (or another option) and may very well have ultimate responsibility. However, the services themselves will be drawn up by the Local Transport Authority, and be subject to some level of "public" consultation.

You are perfectly right in saying "Be careful" though, as I'm sure the North East has its share of Bus hating (and therefore Bus *user* hating) politicians, just as Greater Manchester has.